1926.1053(a)(18): OSHA rule
Key takeaways
- 1926.1053(a)(18) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X).
- Related part: 1926.1053(a) General (99 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(18) is one requirement inside 1926.1053 Ladders, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart X). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(18) Fixed ladders shall be provided with cages, wells, ladder safety devices, or self-retracting lifelines where the length of climb is less than 24 feet (7.3 m) but the top of the ladder is at a distance greater than 24 feet (7.3 m) above lower levels.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1053.
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Use of fixed ladders constructed prior to the effective date of 29 CFR 1926 - Subpart X. (2006-09-05)
- Whether 29 CFR 1926.1053(a)(18) and 1926.1053(a)(19) apply to an attachable ladder used on scaffolding. (2006-04-25)
- Fall protection requirements for fixed and portable ladders in construction. (2000-01-13)
- Maintenance vs. construction; working from fixed ladders. (1999-05-11)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1053(a) General 99 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(1) 27 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(2) 13 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(7) 13 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(8) 13 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(3) 10 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(3)(i) 10 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(1)(ii) 8 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(24) 7 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(1)(i) 6 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(13) 3 citations
- 1926.1053(a)(19) 3 citations
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1053 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.